Where to eat in Te Anau

April 11, 2023

Where to eat in Te Anau

After a big day of hiking and exploring Fiordland, no doubt you will have worked up an appetite. We’ve put together a list of some of our favourite places to eat in Te Anau where you can relax and unwind after a day of adventures.

The Fat Duck – Delicious Kiwi fare

Located at the entrance to the quaint town of Te Anau The Fat Duck is a cozy and inviting restaurant delivering delicious kiwi fare with a focus on using local produce. A popular spot among locals and tourists alike, so be sure to book so you don’t miss out.

 

With a full dinner menu on offer there is something for everyone, but if you’re looking for a drink and a snack you can also choose to sit in the bar area and enjoy something from their tapas style menu. They also offer daily happy hour, big-screen tv, free wi-fi and a children’s menu. 

Redcliff Café –  A local favourite

A firm favourite among locals, this is the place to be on a summer evening, sipping on a glass of wine while watching the sun go down. Set in an early settlers cottage, the atmosphere is cozy and charming with the walls filled with local memorabilia from Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park, Lord of the Rings and Te Anau.

Redcliff Café prides itself on serving up “simple but tantalising food with a definitive kiwi essence”. The menu is filled with local produce like wild Fiordland venison and Stewart Island Salmon. If you’ve come for the atmosphere and the drinks they also offer a great snack menu and the deserts will leave you salivating.

After a day exploring Milford Sound this is the perfect place to relax and unwind.

Sandfly Café – Cabinet treats to die for

If you’re looking for a café for breakfast or lunch or need something to put in your pack for a day of hiking you can’t go past Sandfly Cafe. Home to superb coffee, a great all-day menu, a range of delicious and varied cabinet food, this is the place you will find the locals catching up for a coffee – so you know it’s good.

With plenty of indoor and outdoor seating it’s a great spot for families to fuel up before a day of activities or a quick coffee stop before you head to Milford Sound. 

The Ranch – Good honest casual dining

The Ranch Bar & Grill is located in the centre of Te Anau and is a family-owned business which has been operating for over 25 years. They offer good honest casual dining – hearty meals at a great price. If you’re passing through on a sunday this is the place to stop for a delicious Sunday Roast.

The Moose – Classic Kiwi pub grub

Situated right on the lake The Moose is your classic kiwi pub serving up good honest kiwi pub grub. Family owned and operated you will be sure to meet some of the Te Anau locals here enjoying a drink after a busy day at work.

Ristorante Pizzeria Paradiso –  The best pizza in town

Ask a local where you should get Pizza and we can guarantee they will all give you the same answer. Serving up delicious wood-fired pizzas since 2011, Pizzeria Paradiso is always busy so we recommend you book ahead, particularly in summer.

Sit close to the pizza oven so you can watch the pizza chefs at work. If you have dietary requirements don’t fret, they offer dairy free mozzarella and gluten free bases so no one will miss out on the best pizza in Te Anau. They strive to use organic ingredients, and source local produce where possible. This is comfort food done right.

Ditto – Delicious Asian inspired street food

Their story started with a food truck serving bao buns and now the team from Bao Now have opened up Ditto located on the main street of Te Anau. Offering up ‘south-meets-east’ Asian fusion fare, featuring dishes loaded with flavour, packed with freshness, and good for the soul.

 

Enjoy bao buns, sushi bowls, dumplings and so much more. Choose to sit in or on a beautiful Te Anau evening grab some takeaway and sit and enjoy on the lakefront as the sun goes down.

Miles Better Pies – The best pies in Southland

There should be a rule that in every small New Zealand town if they have a local pie shop then you must try it. In Te Anau ‘Miles Better Pies’ offers up 16 varieties of this kiwi classic ranging from the classics like mince and cheese and venison to their own creation the ‘taco pie’. If you need a quick eat on your way to Milford or a an afternoon snack after a day in the hills, Miles Better Pies sell a variety of pies, pasties, sandwiches, homemade cakes and slices.

Sprig & Thistle – Caravan coffee at it’s best

The new guy in town, Sprig and Thistle operates out of the most beautiful vintage caravan that is full to the brim with coffee, smoothies, cold drinks and freshly made savouries and sweets. Located at The Key on the edge of state highway 94, we highly recommended stopping here on your way into Te Anau – and on your way out! (currently closed for winter)

Radha’s Indian Restaurant – Some of the best curies we’ve had

While in Southland we always recommend you trying some local dishes like blue cod and wild venison sometimes after a big day of exploring you just want a good curry, and you won’t get much better than Radha’s. Radha’s Indian Restaurant serves authentic Indian food, all their meat is certified halal and their naan bread’s and meat are cooked in a traditional Tandoori oven. Dine or takeaway is available to suit your dining needs.

The Alpine Centre and cafe – The best value fish and chips in town

Located just on the outskirt of Te Anau, The Alpine Centre offers delicious food for both dine in and take away. A great spot to stop for a coffee their cafe offers a large selection of “Grab n Go” food and also breakfast and lunch meals. We recommend their fish and chips to take away, sit and enjoy them lakeside. If you’re tired after a big day they will deliver all orders over $25.

  • This place was phenomenal!! Wonderfully situated on the lake with an ideal view and convenient (walking distance) to literally everything. Clean, comfy, and well-appointed. An excellent hostess who gave wonderful advice, booked all experiences, made reservations for dinner, you name it; this cannot be under-rated, as the weather conditions change rapidly in Fjordland and having someone who can help with bookings, advice, and changes of plans was immeasurably helpful! The little touches were amazing - water on hand to refill bottles, great laundry facilities, ease of parking, etc...Cannot recommend this place highly enough!
    Ronald – September 2024  Read Reviews
  • Radfords is so much more then a Motel. The service we received from the moment we walked in the door was first class. The room and furnishings were first class. Having never stayed in Te Anau before we came really under dressed. Not a problem says our wonderful hostess. Here are coats for you all as you will need them on your cruise on Milford sounds. I spoke about my new love. Cheese rolls. Here is the recipe for you she said Absolutely nothing was to much trouble. We will most differently be back. Thank you for a wonderful couple of days. Merry Christmas to you and your staff.
    Sharon – October 2024  Read Reviews
  • I can’t say enough good things about Radfords and also the manager, Kerri. She is extremely helpful and welcoming! By my own mistake, I booked a “1 bedroom with access”, which in NZ means handicapped. Yikes. Our bathroom “shower” had a curtain in the corner, and a drain close to the middle of the floor. It could not keep up with the shower flow. Our 1st morning here, our bathroom floor was soaked and a mess. As soon as I asked Kerri for a different room she obliged willingly, and even helped us move our belongings while we were out on a tour. We happened to be at the front desk on Halloween afternoon, and she was truly lovely greeting the little trick-or-treaters! As far as the room, it was thoughtfully equipped with just about everything we would need for our stay in Te Anau. We were able to make breakfasts and coffee in our kitchenette, and took advantage of the washer and dryer onsite. The location is absolutely perfect, on the lake and a short walk into the center of town for restaurants and shopping. Our Milford Sound cruise tour bus even picked us up in front of the hotel! Just a lovely place to stay while exploring Te Anau and the Fiordland National Park. Highly recommend Radfords!
    Colleen October 2024  Read Reviews
  • This is probably the best place to stay in Te Anau especially because Mrs Kerri. She knows her stuff and makes sure your stay has all that you need. Comfy bed, air conditioning, toiletries and hot water, heated towel rack and splendid little breakfast. We loved our stay here and is a perfect get away! Also right on the water and is the best location for walking through the town or around the lake!
    Berkley – November 2024  Read Reviews
  • The facilities, location, cleanliness were all fabulous but what really stood out was Kerri and her hospitality. She expressed genuine care for us and the success of our trip. Not only did she get us scheduled on the best local day trips to optimize our short stay, she but she also ensured that we were being charged reasonably and even provided warm outer wear for us to wear during an unseasonably cold spring week. I’ve never experienced such a caring host at any accommodation / hotel, and she was the reason we were able to make the most of our trip and our excursions. I wholeheartedly recommend staying at Radfords with Kerri!
    Anna – November 2024  Read Reviews

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Radfords on the Lake is the ultimate base for your Fiordland adventure. Rest up pre-hike with peaceful lakeside vibes, then return post-hike to luxury, hot showers, and unbeatable comfort.

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Just taking a moment between jobs around the motel, to stop and appreciate where we live and these stunning views.  We love spring in Te Anau.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Still searching for the perfect Christmas gift? Treat your loved ones to a slice of paradise this festive season with a Radfords on the Lake Gift Voucher!  Whether it's a peaceful lakeside retreat, a romantic getaway, or an adventure in Te Anau, this gift promises unforgettable memories. 

Give the gift of relaxation and exploration this Christmas. Vouchers can be personalized and are perfect for family, friends, or someone special.

Check out our website for more information. Link in our bio.
Chief welcoming officer Dexter Dude ready to greet guests to Radfords on the Lake.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Sometimes you just need to stop and take a moment to enjoy the view. . . and it doesn't get much better than the views from our Premier Lakeview Studio units 😍😍😍
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
We're still on a high after we were awarded Best Motel at the Hospitality New Zealand Business Awards 2024! This prestigious recognition reflects our ongoing commitment to excellence and the high standards we strive to achieve in hospitality. We couldn't have done it without our amazing guests so a big thank you from us to all of the amazing visitors we have hosted over the years. 

Link in our bio for the full story.
Steve and I are immensely honored to receive the award for Best Motel in our industry. This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire team. We extend our appreciation to @seekom_ for sponsoring this award and to @hospitalitynz for organizing such a fantastic event that celebrates the best in hospitality.
Did you know that Fiordland is a great place to explore the night sky? There are some great spots along the Milford Road perfect for some stargazing. Chat to our team before you head off and we can provide you with ‘Star Charts’ and a ‘planisphere’ and instructions on how to use them. Along with binoculars so you can get a closer look. 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
The last of the winter light over Lake Te Anau captured beautifully from the front of Radfords on the Lake by @travelnewzealandwithme 
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Did you know that last winter we completed new fit-outs to all the kitchens in all our units? This included adding dishwashers and coffee pod machines. The kitchens now have a modern finish with a contemporary feel. 

Every year we set out to refurbish or improve an area of the property ensuring we are always providing the highest quality accommodation to our guests.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
Are you planning your next winter escape in Fiordland. Once you book your accommodation with us make sure you book in dinner in one of the many delicious Te Anau restaurants. If you're not sure where to go, click the link in our bio to see some of few of our favourites.
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#fiordland #fiordlandnz #lovefiordland #fiordlandbeyondbelief #radfordsonthelake
#fiordland #fiordlandnationalpark #fiordlandnz #nz #destinationnz #milfordsound #laketeanau #teanau #doubtfulsound #nzmustdo #southislandnz #southisland #newzealand #purenewzealand #purenz #newzealandguide #newzealandvacations #newzealandtravel #dosomethingnewnz #mysouthland #southland
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